ONLY ON 3: Contractor causes delay in Kure Beach park opening

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Kure Beach had plans to open the new Ocean Front Park in time for tourist season, but now the park that was supposed to be ready this month is being torn down and rebuilt.

Mayor Dean Lambeth says he’s the one who noticed the construction was not going according to plan. So, after a battle with the original contractor, a new contractor has been hired to do the deconstruction and reconstruction.

“I said, ‘this is not what we paid for.’ The elevations were off, the joints were off,” Lambeth said.

What was supposed to be an ocean front park, ready for the summer season, has turned into ocean front construction that is not expected to be finished until October.

The new park, which is right next to the Kure Beach Pier, will have public restrooms, a playground and a pavilion. But Lambeth noticed issues with the concrete and the bathrooms, so residents and visitors will have to wait to use the new facilities.

“I hate it for the pier and the rest of the restaurants down there because it’s right in the middle of tourist season,” Lambeth added.

The deconstruction and reconstruction will not cost taxpayers a dime. A bonding company has helped the town secure a new contractor, Landmark Corporation out of Tennessee. But now, the original contractor, Integrity Builders out of Wilmington, is suing Lambeth and the town for terminating their contract early.

“He just didn’t follow the contract, so it is what it is. We’re just going to knock it down and start over,” Lambeth said.

We tried contacting Integrity Builders, but they have not returned our call. Lambeth said he’s been advised not to say much about the lawsuit.